How to run your own workshop

To help you run a smooth workshop, follow these hints and tips.

Icebreaker

An icebreaker is a great way to get to know everyone. They can quickly set the tone for the session and give participants ownership of the learning ahead. It helps participants to loosen up, understand each other more and enable better collaboration. It is a great way to energise the group and have everyone focused and ready to go.

There are a bunch of icebreaker games on the internet, but if unsure - try this super easy one:

Standing in a circle, each person lists off two truths about themselves and one lie. The truths and lies can be anything or be restricted to a theme, the choice is yours. One after another, participants will decide what the two truths are and which one is a lie. It’s great fun, especially if participants include something funny that has happened to them in the past.

Time keeper

• Nominate a time-keeper and decide on a time limit for responses, 4-6 minutes is a good guide.
• Some topics will be of more interest than other topics to your group.
• If you find you are running out of time, schedule another workshop.

Questions

As the host, it’s also important to guide people through the agenda. You’ll lead the group on each topic of discussion, and determine speaking order, and make sure everyone follows the effective participation guidelines, particularly avoiding people interrupting or speaking for too long. If you're finding participants are talking over the top of each other, try using a wooden spoon, The wooden spoon can be passed around and whoever holds the spoon can talk.